Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:39:20 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden's Saga 13
Arden's Saga
by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
If the sexual nature is offensive or you are disqualified due to age or
location, don't read it. You have been warned. I hope you like what you
read and find the characters and their exploits/adventures interesting.
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without permission or sharing, is unethical. That said, if you wish to
quote reasonable length passages please be kind enough to sight them. You
will find a few quotations or only slightly edited passages in some
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13: Dedication to Duty and Art
1312, the 11th month, 5th day:
Today was highly eventful and I did not get a chance for sports or other
activities. I have been: posed, sketched, measured and forced to stand
perfectly still for long periods. I do not like this modelling business in
the least. Goro assures me I will get more accustomed to it and not mind
so much when older. He is not the one who must remain still; it is not
difficult for him to say such things. Iason is sympathetic and reminds me
it is just another royal duty. Me thinks picking olives or figs is much
more to my liking. He forgets or chooses not to remember, that while I
stand stone still, he and the others get to be outside shooting arrows and
fencing.
At our midday meal we were told to be dressed in our most fine uniform of
office for the afternoon. We were not told why but suspected it has to do
with the Florentine Envoy. Ikaros already had our parade clothing laid out
for us. I was sad that we had so little time, since the site of my lovers
naked body always stirs my lustful desires. Even clothed he stirs those
desires but naked they become almost unmanageable.
We all assembled in the great hall; King Iason on his throne, the Prince
Consort on his right and Iason and I on his left. We were told to go and
sit with the other Pages until called. Before the Envoy was admitted the
history scholar gave us pages one of his brief lectures. (TN: I am sure
brief is being used here with a large dose of sarcasm.)
Without going into detail he outlined the Florence's important role in
church affairs prior to about 1200. With that background he got into much
detail; which, with Iason's help, I am greatly shortening. (TN: The reader
may wish to to skip this, that is why I, your translator, placed it in [ ].
If this is Arden's idea of shortening my earlier note about sarcasm is
grossly understated.)
[The social structure of the city reveals a community constituted of
religious and secular representatives, with three dominant social groups:
the nobles, grouped into consorterie (the so-called "SocietÃ delle
torri"), the merchants, and the horse soldiers, the backbone of the army,
who included all those, noble or not, who were able to provide their own
arms and on horseback serve the militia of the Commune. Among the nobles
were to be found the old feudal families who had always lived in the city,
as well as the landed proprietors of the surrounding countryside or contado
who were forced to live within the walls once they had been conquered by
the Commune. Although the nobles held most of the power in the 12th
century, it was nevertheless mainly the merchants who were responsible for
the growth of the city. The rise of the merchants accelerated in the
second half of the century, as trade with distant countries was intensified
and became a new and much richer source for the accumulation of capital.
Extensive trade and its inseparable companion, credit, were what provided
the Commune with its power of growth and were the basis for the economic
and demographic expansion of the city.
The requisites of commercial activity (the need for free circulation of the
goods that arrived in or left from Florence) forced the Commune to protect
the communication routes from the extravagant tolls imposed by the
proprietors of the contado, as well as the authority of the neighboring
municipalities. Throughout the 12th century therefore a goodly part of the
military power of the Commune was earmarked for the struggle against the
feudal regime (represented above all by the consorterie bound to the noble
Guidi and Alberti families) and against rival Communes.
This process of expansion underwent a temporary halt when Frederick
Barbarossa advanced south into Italy. In 1185 the emperor even deprived
the city of its contado and restored the marquisate of Tuscany, setting his
younger son Philip at its head. But the provision had a brief life. In
1197, taking advantage of the death of Barbarossa's successor, Henry VI,
Florence regained control of her contado, which she had probably never
completely lost. At the end of the century and at the beginning of the
13th century, thanks to a series of fortunate military exploits, the
Florentine Commune succeeded in getting most of the peoples of the contado
to pledge allegiance, which formerly had been owed to the signoria of the
counts of Guidi and those of Mangona and Capraia and Certaldo. Henceforws,
deprived of their authority and their power, were to be pushed back to the
borders of the municipal territory and later fought and defeated even in
what was left of their dominions.
The rivalry with the neighboring municipalities also led to any number of
disputes, mostly based on pretexts involving the establishment of
boundaries of their respective spheres of competence. Particularly
frequent was conflict with Siena, which was enlarging its contado in
southern Tuscany at the expense of the bordering cities. With Pisa, which
was the richest city in the western Mediterranean in the 12th century,
things were different. Since Florence normally used the port of Pisa for
its commerce with overseas countries, there relationship was one of
collaboration and mutual aid. Clear evidence of the power Florence had
acquired in the course of the 12th century is to be found in the expansion
of its urban territory. All around the circle of Matilda's walls, in
correspondence to the gates, populous suburbs had sprung up, initially
elongated in form as they flanked the streets that ran out of the city.
A considerable number of small and large churches also sprang up as the
size of the city increased. In two centuries the number of churches in
Florence was tripled, so that at the beginning of the 13th century the city
had as many as 48 churches (12 priories and 36 parishes).
As can be seen the Bishop had gained enormous power and wealth. The
political power was fracas and the nobles all but useless. Being a hand
full of families that had little support and continually squabbling among
themselves. The city has become the principal center of continental
Tuscany, and which clearly show signs of continued growth thanks to the
arrival of immigrants from the countryside. This immigration from the
contado, consisting prevalently of the more well-to-do classes, gave rise
to a new middle class, an important factor in the tensions which
accompanied the struggles between the nobles who held the power and all
those others who were excluded, including the majority of commoners. The
Gold florins have become a standard and the banks of Florence among the
most wealthy and powerful.]
This is a long discussion but Iason and I feel it is important for us to
remember and know about in the future. We have overheard many saying, even
if we get Florence to back down now, we will not have the last of them.
The Envoy was announced. He is not only the nephew of the Bishop but also
of an important and nobel house. The politics I assume are still as
fractious as ever and power struggles continue. What Karyakos is most
concerned about is the power of several religious orders, all founded or
well established in that place.
He strode in with Father Georgios. They were seated at a large table along
with those already present, including the General and several of his senior
officers. The Envoy was visibly shaken by their presence. Karyakos then
proceeded to introduce the Envoy to everyone present. Identifying them by
name and position. He then called Iason and I to leave the ranks of the
pages and take our seats of office. The Envoy was less than impressed that
a 12 year old Crown Prince and his Prince Consort, mere pages, were
obviously given higher status than himself. Iason and I think this is all
just a bit too much like theatre.
Karyakos addressed the Envoy, "I sincerely hope that Father Georgios,
acting Bishop, has educated you in our laws, customs and ways. I know they
are strange to you as is our language. But since we are not all fluent in
Italian we will conduct this meeting in Greek. Father Georgios can
translate for you if necessary. You know King Iason the 7th and myself.
We tend to be a less formal here than other courts. King Iason and I have
decided that I should do most of the talking and he should function in a
capacity of moderator." He looked right at Iason and myself, "That choice
was made because my temper is calmer and I am less likely to offend, being
by nature less sharp with my words.
You are probably wondering why all these people are here. It is simple,
they are here either to observe and learn from that observation, such as
the young princes or I felt they may have knowledge and information we will
need. It was obvious from the results of our pervious meeting that many
misunderstandings and misconceptions still exist between us. It is
important that these be corrected and if possible resolved. Much treasure
and blood lay in the balance Envoy.
The history of Florence suggests to us that treasure is dear to your hearts
and blood is easily spilt. Unless I am mistaken your society is built on
three pillars: wealth, power and faith. Those three pillars reinforce each
other. They form a triangle, one of the most useful and powerful geometric
figures known. It is a mystic symbol that takes roots in ancient Egypt and
Greece. The triangle or three pillars were not invented by your church but
expropriated by it. As was the right of sanctuary, which you Envoy,
counselled Father Georgios to abuse for you own political ends.
You should be thankful that this state has not seen fit to establish one
official religion or persecute the practices of any, otherwise you and
Father Georgios would have the deaths of 27 brave young men staining your
hands."
He then reported to everyone what had taken place, why and what the result
is.
"Father Georgios was able to see that their right of sanctuary was
successfully transferred from his church to the Temple of Apollo and all
are on the mend, all are expected to recover. This I assure you had less
to do with any prayers and more to do with the healing properties of the
mineral springs.
What we are upset about, is not so much your feeble attempt at causing
embarrassment to us or in your misguided efforts to cause some kind of
political impasse for us; but your refusal to take any responsibility for
the welfare of the surrendered solders you enticed into seeking sanctuary
in the first place. Father can you tell us how you managed to provide
these men with food and appropriate tithes to the Temple?"
"Prince Karyakos, a wealthy citizen who wishes to remain anonymous made the
donation when the Envoy refused."
"I find it strange and puzzling that Florence would employ mercenaries to
attack us, urge them to some coarse of action and yet refuse to support
them when required."
This went on for a little longer Karyakos building his case, to prove
beyond any doubt of Envoy's influence and motives. He then reviewed the
evidence relating to the bishop and failed attack in the east. The General
reviewed the failed attack by sea.
Now Envoy would you like to tell us why Florence found it necessary to
attack us in the first place and why you did so without even announcing
your intentions but sending assassins instead?
He recounted the usual list of false hoods which were shown to be nothing
more.
The King finally interjected, "It matters not Envoy, we do not care but you
should. The citizens of Florence should, it is their treasure and blood
that has been squandered on this venture. None of what you have said
however, answers the question Prince Karyakos put. Why treachery followed
by violence without even bothering to negotiate?"
"General, do you release your men, now enjoying sanctuary in the Temple of
Apollo, from your service. In return for your promise to see any pay owed
to them is delivered, I shall offer them permanent residence here and the
opportunity but not the obligation to become citizens." The smile on the
Generals face was as great as it was when he saw Odo riding in on that
pony.
"Since they are missing from my camps and by doing so have voted to seek
refuge here, I must accept your offer and release them." The scribes were
writing quickly now preparing the documents.
Karyakos asked if any citizen had a question or objection. One Knight
stood and was recognized. "What is your plan for these 27, Prince?"
"When they fully recover their health we will make our offer which they may
or may not accept. If they accept, each will be tested and evaluated and
assigned to a knight based on your needs and their skills. That man should
work for you at least one year and you will pay him the normal rate for the
work he does and is qualified to do. Several will find employment here in
the castle, as we have many needs yet to fill.
Now Envoy let me remind you that on the 10th day of this month you must be
prepared to settle up on the question of reparations. On the eleventh day
our price will rise by 1000 florins and will continue to rise at that rate
until the 15th day which will be your last chance."
"Florence still demands you pay us 10,000 florins and return our captured
men and ships."
"Envoy the decision is yours and yours alone. Your letter of introduction
stated you have complete authority to resolve our differences. I take that
to mean the decision is yours, since I doubt your masters would lie to us;
about us we know, being of nobel birth and good Christians they would be
far to honourable for that." I was quite amazed at how sarcastically
Karyakos spoke, his tone of voice was as hard as dagger's blade.
Father Georgios and the Envoy departed. After they departed the General
spoke to us quietly, so most of the Knights crowded around to here him.
"As you know I am Florentine as are my officers, our troops are mostly
mercenaries, swiss and Germanic. That fool plays a dangerous game.
Florence depends on mercenaries, if he fails to secure their return to
Florence, he violates their contracts. The danger is finding others to
take their places."
One of the navy captains spoke next. "We too are Florentine and now that
our navy is all but destroyed any dreams of being a navel power are gone
for Florence, at least. If our ships fall to other powers they will have
no navy at all. Now that our galley slaves are free and would be paid to
man the oars, he will be hard pressed to replace them. I know many will
leave the service at their first opportunity. As to the sailors they too
are mercenaries. The Envoy is a pompous ass and since our Admiral is lost
he refuses to speak frankly with us as he does with the General."
"I told him if he fails to meet our demands we would sail your ships to
Venice, Dubrovnik or perhaps Pula and sell them at auction. You and your
crews would be free to take employment with the purchaser, some other
patron or go back of Florence by land. I am not a wife purchasing
vegetables in the market, I do not bargain. We have set a fair reparations
price and are not about to discount it so that fool can save face."
Later that evening Iason and I were in the baths with a group of our
friends. What started as a simple time of relaxation and bathing turned
into a mini orgy. I think boys, certainly including us, think of only two
subjects, food and sex. Once clean and finished playing toss the sponge we
all assembled on the platform and began enjoying each other's bodies. Odo
somehow got everyone in a line with Iason at the head and himself at the
tail. In between each boy knelt and presented his ass to the penis of the
boy behind, once everyone was engaged I pushed back and when the motion
reached the end Odo pushed the hips of the boy in front of him forward and
so it want until spent.
Before I could get this entry completed our mentors and one of the young
Palace Boys came into our room. I finish it now, the following morning.
Uncle Iason pulled me into his powerful arms and carried me into his bed
chamber, Father carried Iason. They left the boy with Odovacar and the
others.
Mentor placed me ever so gently on the bed and began his worship of
Ganymede. He kissed and licked and nibble and teased with is fingers every
portion of my body, from head to foot and back again. I could see his
strong body and perfectly shaped buttocks framing his enormous erection. I
want that hard penis in me, I wanted it deep in my throat and fully sunk
into my ass.
I looked over, Iason lay next to me and his mentor, my most handsome and
desirable father, making love to him. I knew Iason was receiving as much
pleasure and stimulation as I. Uncle Iason began giving me oral pleasures
I had not been aware of before. My penis felt as though it would burst.
Time and again he brought me to the point of ejaculation but he would not
let that happen. Iason was pleading with Father but he would not let it
happen either. We were both writing with desire on the edge of ecstasy.
As suddenly as it had begun Uncle stopped as did Father. I looked at Iason
and he at me. Our mentors embraced each other and and began passionate
kissing and fondling. Iason rolled toward me and we embraced like our
mentors. Uncle Iason lay on his back with his legs draped over father's
shoulders. Father's penis slipped into him and they began making the most
sensuous and slow hip undulating actions of love. This was not a hard and
fast fuck, this was a sharing of the most sacred emotions between two men.
Iason and I were a part of this and we both realized it.
We also realized we were both still on the knife edge of desire. I rolled
over on top of him and in like fashion his legs draped over my shoulders
and my erection entered his cavity.
As I write this, now the next day, I realize another lesson has been
learned. Lust and passion are wonderful emotions but nothing replaces
love. It was not his anus but his kisses that were the most significant.
Our mentors had taught us it is our time shared that is most important. It
is the complete giving of one to the other that is most significant.
1312 the 11th month, 9th day:
I have been to the Temple of Apollo and returned only late yesterday.
Father Georgios and Prince Tertius accompanied us. I think it is us that
accompanied them. That tail must follow this however.
On the 6th day the Florentine citizens were asked to meeting at the castle.
Non of us were present, however our Triangles reported to us that the King
explained how difficult the Envoy had become and asked them to prepare for
the worst. He did not wish to see any exiled; however, he was being
offered little choice by the Envoy. To a man and woman, not quite all but
almost all, immediately partitioned the King for citizenship. Two or three
were old, and with great regret, would return to Florence if it came to
that, since they would be returning soon anyway. The King accepted their
partitions but not their renunciation of Florentine citizenship. If the
worst came to worst he would accept it after the Envoy departed. "We will
just let him think what he wishes."
They were asked not to mention any of this to the Envoy. He told them in
the next day or two a warning was to be published that all non Citizens of
Florentine origin should be prepared to leave with the Envoy on the 15th
day. The King thought that when published, as many of you as feels
comfortable doing so, should inquire with the Envoy about this ship and if
Florence was prepared to compensate them for lost or unrecoverable assets.
The Triangle said he counted about 13 families in total, many had been born
here as are their children.
When we got to the Temple I was quite surprised at the number of people
there. It is a nice place with large hot pools and therapeutic baths. I
was most impressed with the large herb guardians. There are many springs,
some very rich in sulphur, others less so and a few had none. One of the
springs was effervescent and tickled my nose as I drank from it.
One thing I did notice was the lack of accommodation. The place only had a
few small inns. I will write Perum, I see a business opportunity for him
and I assume my sister.
I saw many different herbs, bushes, trees and other plants being
cultivated, many I had never seen before. They claimed that certain herbs,
when combined with the waters from one of the less sulphurous pools or the
non sulphurous springs, were highly curative for many different ills. Some
or parts of some plants are poisonous too.
Open wounds are best treated in the most sulphurous pools. People with
breathing difficulties were often taken into a grotto where the hot springs
put vapours into the air. Many of the plants were brought here from far
away places. No one knows how long his place has been a temple or when
they started collecting and cultivating all these herbs.
Near by I saw many small orchards growing oranges, lemons and limes. In
Koalhurst we grew lemons and some farmers limes but only a few trees. The
priests at the Temple praised these fruits as sources of good health and
encouraged all to eat them, often mixing their juice with the effervescent
waters. I rather liked it so did Iason. Uncle Tertius thought the
Argoanuts should plant and maintain large gardens and fruit groves at each
of the estates. This would be a worthy service to the people and small but
potentially valuable source of income. We all laughed at the suggestion
Alexandros teach them how to climb the trees for harvest. Now that his leg
is healed he was willing to at least laugh about it.
All 27 were more than happy to accept the King's offer. The priests wanted
them to remain at the temple for at least another few days, to be sure
their illness was completely healed. These men were all tucked into
several small buildings with multiple bunks or sleeping platforms. Mostly
they were outside as long as the weather was good. Vitale was very glad to
see Odo again and they visited while we met the others. Tertius was most
impressed with several who he judged would become valuable assets in our
military, including Vitale.
I was curious why so many were abandoning their professional and family
connections with Florence. I learned that most were either advised by
their officers to do so or had become disillusioned by the apparent
foolishness of the venture they had been sent into. A few desired to enter
Father Georgios' seminary or the monastery. One wished to remain at the
Temple, if the priests would have him. Vitale told me that one had been
the closest to death on their arrival and the quickest to recover. Father
Georgios did not want to loose one of the faithful but he understood the
lad's desire and gave the Apollo priests his recommendation. My suspicion
was correct, all of these men and women seemed to know each other.
Many people came just for a short visit, often just to obtain a potent or
some of the waters. Some had small tents or other shelters on the grounds
or in the orchards. The temple itself was very small, a few columns with a
statues of Apollo and Asclepus along with several small alters for the
faithful. In olden times, belief and medicine were linked and the sick
would come to Asclepus' temple to dream for guidance. Here, I guess
Apollo's medical credentials were merged with Asclepus. Today we are much
more modern.
The priests and priestesses seemed to form in four groups. Tenders of
plants and makers of potents, those that helped or tended the sick, those
that tended the temple, gardens and orchards.
One of my tutors told me: "The Romans created valetudinaria for the care of
sick slaves, gladiators and soldiers around 100 CE. The adoption of
Christianity as the state religion of the empire drove an expansion of the
provision of care, but not just for the sick. The First Council of Nicaea
in 325 C.E. urged the Church to provide for the poor, sick, widows and
strangers. It ordered the construction of a hospital in every cathedral
town. Among the earliest were those built by the physician Saint Sampson
in Konstantinople and by Basil, bishop of Caesarea. The latter was
attached to a monastery and provided lodgings for poor and travellers, as
well as treating the sick and infirm. There was a separate section for
lepers."
I know that healing places go way back in Greek history, many were
associated with temples of Apollo and his son.
As near as I can tell we established our modified Apollo's Places to care
for the sick in every town in the land about the same time. Except for
this place, only the name Apollo remains as connection to the god. In
Koalhurst we always thought of Apollo's Place as where you go to die or see
the physicians, apothecaries or barber - surgeons, get wounds treated and
so on.
I noticed one other curious thing. One of the springs had water so hot
that it would burn flesh. That water bubbled up and spilled down a series
of small steps making little pools. The priests had all the sick clean
their belongs, bowls, knives, spoons, clothing and so on in them, at least
once a day. This spring joined a cooler sulphurous spring and the combined
water was used to clean hands and feet after contacting the sick, just
below the joining place. Apparently in older times this was a purification
ritual with religious overtones. Now it is a purification ritual of
medicine. No one can tell me why things are done this way, just that it
seems to be effective.
I also learned from the tutor and Apollo's priests: that all the castle
physicians and apothecaries were partly trained here. Our physicians are
trained in Galen's medical practices as well as Herophillus and
Erasistratus, Democritos and Hippocratic schools, Asciepidades and Temison
and others. No one was necessarily held above the others but true to the
teachings of Aristotle all was considered and used where useful. From the
early work in Alexandra, where thoughtful and careful autopsies were
performed, much about how the body did and didn't work was learned. Human
and animal anatomy is now taught at the castle. I noticed that the artists
and sculptures as well as the physicians worked with the dead to learn
their structure.
Much knowledge also came from the Pagans in cures and the uses of herbs,
concoctions and so on including those of Theophrastus, Dioscrides, Damian
and Cosmas. In the libraries are books from the north and west as well as
the east about these things. I learned, the authors did not always know
why something worked, just that it did.
I know that in the vineyard we used a white, soluble powder from this place
to control the fermentation. The idea is to stop it before it became
vinegar, unless that was the desired end product. I saw the white powder
being produced; it was ground from the rock deposited by some of the
sulphurous springs. I don't know what this is but the yellowish-white
powder does smell of sulphur. (Translator's Note: This would be a
naturally occurring sulphate or sulphite, either sodium, magnesium or
calcium rich. Any would do the job and would have been a much better
choice then the lead salts used by the Romans. Modern research suggests
that the Romans suffered from lead poisoning. Not from the plumbing, which
was coated with calcium carbonate or other lime minerals, that sealed off
the lead, but from the lead salts used in the wine making. These were
soluble and consumed directly.)
I was informed by one of the 27 that places called Hospitals exist in
Florence but are not at all like this place. He also told me Apollo's
Temple, meaning the whole area, not just the sanctuary, is the cleanest he
has ever seen. All of them told me that Parga is the cleanest place, with
the cleanest people, they have ever encountered.
On our return Iason and I went into the city and joined the Argoanuts at
the monument site. The others took our horses back to the castle with
them. Work was progressing very well. The base for the statue was now
almost finished. It is a large limestone block into which several brass
rods had been fixed. Around the large block are a number of smaller blocks
that make up the platform.
The brass rods are pushed into the stone from the bottom, where they are
flattened to form what I am told is called a head. The holes for the rods
were drilled into the rock with a special tool, made of iron, by the smiths
in the castle foundry. The Argoanuts have cut, trimmed, drilled and
transported the blocks from a quarry, about two hours cart trip from the
city. Several of the boys proudly announced, this is here as a result of
boy power. They did not use any beasts of burden but the strength of the
boys alone.
The top of the rods had curious notches cut into them just below holes
drilled through the rods. Once the rods had been placed the large block
was turned over so the heads were at the bottom. This was done with large
poles making a lever. Two wooden poles were laid across the block next to
the rods, one on each side. A small iron rod was inserted into the two
holes and the poles lashed tight together. A thick hemp rope was tied to
each end of the sticks and looped over the end of a long, thick tree. The
tree was another lever arm. They told us the combined weight of 15 boys,
who climbed on the far end of the lever arm, raising the stone into the
air. Several other boys pushed a cart under the stone and the boys let it
down onto the cart bed. Everything was then transported here and the
process repeated. It took the weight of 20 boys to lower the stone in
place.
At Iason's urging I climbed onto the pedestal and took my pose, arms
outstretched to the sea. Everyone cheered and then made me take my kilt
and tunic off, so I could stand naked. This produced even more cheers.
This time many of the citizens who were on the plaza or near by it, cheered
also. All the boys began singing Odo's ode and I must say as they sang,
with me standing arms outstretched to the sea and not yet setting sun, I
felt sensations like I have never know before. There was a tingling that
ran through my body, a flow of energy of sorts. For that moment I became
the Ganymede of Parga.
On the way back to the castle, Iason and I at the lead, and about 50 boys
behind us, all singing our marching songs, I never felt prouder or more
excited. It was like one long unending orgasm. Iason was laying plans for
a grand pageant at the official unavailing ceremony, which is scheduled for
mid morning, the shortest day of the year, the winter solutes.